12, 13 & 18 Nov 2004
Dstl Porton Down Fitness Centre
0800 Friday 12 November to 0800 Saturday 13 November AND 0900 to 1600
Thursday 18 November
A team of defence scientists is facing a 24 hour fundraising challenge
this week when on Friday they run 24 miles to raise money for BBC Children
in Need. What will make the challenge tougher is that only one mile
can be completed in each hour for 24 consecutive hours, reducing the
possibility of sleep or rest to a minimum.
The runners from The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
will tackle seven different one-mile routes both in and outside the
defence research site at Porton Down near Salisbury, starting at 0800
hours on Friday 12 November.
A week later it's boys versus girls when on Thursday 18 November the
atmosphere in Dstl's Fitness Centre will heat up for the battle of the
sexes. Dozens of staff have signed up to take part in a seven-hour 'three-site-challenge'
when they will run, cycle or row the 160+ miles between Dstl's main
sites at Porton Down, Portsmouth and Sevenoaks. The single-sex teams,
who hope to raise hundreds of pounds for the BBC Appeal, will compete
to see who can complete the 'virtual' course in the fastest time.
Vivienne Worrall from Dstl's Corporate Affairs Department said: "Dstl
staff take part in fundraising for Children in Need every year and we
like to come up with different challenges each time. Our 24 miles in
24 hours challenge mirrors what the London Marathon athletes have attempted
in the past with a 1000 miles in 1000 challenge - although we've settled
for a much more realistic goal of 24 miles. It's an exciting task and
we'll all be motivating each other to keep going for the full 24 hours,
aided with plenty of music and caffeine to keep us awake.
"Competition is hotting up for our three-site-challenge next Thursday
when girls take on the boys to see who can run, row or cycle the distance
between Dstl's three main sites in the fastest time. Naturally I want
the girls to win but whichever team gets there first we are all hoping
to beat last year's fundraising success and raise even more money for
such a worthwhile cause."
Notes to Editors
Dstl
Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) is the centre of
scientific excellence for the Ministry of Defence, housing one of the
largest groups of scientists and engineers in public service in the
country. Its 3,000 strong workforce includes some of the nation's most
talented and creative scientists with the brief to ensure that the UK
Armed Forces and Government are supported in house by world class scientific
advice.
Dstl delivers defence research, specialist technical services and the
ability to track global technological developments. Its capabilities
compare with the best in the world, supporting procurement decisions,
defence policy making and operations. For more information visit www.dstl.gov.uk.
For more information, interviews on 12 or 18 November or photographs,
please contact:
Shirley Boards, Press Officer,
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Tel: 01252 455995
Mobile: 07766 134768
BBC Children in Need
The 25-year anniversary BBC Children in Need Appeal will take place
on Friday November 19. For a free fundraising pack with tips and advice
on how to raise money call 0845 607 3333, or see www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey.
(Packs include posters, stickers and a magazine). To make a donation
call 0845 733 2233.
BBC Children in Need supports children in the UK, including those with
disabilities or psychological disorders or who have encountered serious
illness, abuse, poverty or neglect.
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